Mission Regional Medical Center To Hold Health Fair on Diabetes

The health fair will feature cooking demonstrations like the one performed by Chef Jeff Sahadi at the hospital's previous diabetes event in November 2012.

People interested in learning how to prevent or manage diabetes and its complications can get the latest tips at the upcoming "All About Diabetes" Community Health Fair. The free educational event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26th, from 9 am to 11 am, at the Mission Community Center.

Between 2005 and 2008, diabetes used to be primarily diagnosed in adults ages 65 and over. According to a 2010 study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in people ages 45 to 64, as well as those ages 20 to 44. In March 2012, the Mission-Edinburg-McAllen tri-city area was ranked number one in the nation for obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for many disorders and diseases, such as diabetes.

"One in two people in the Valley are at risk of developing diabetes. That rate is three times that of the nation," said Maria Esther Rodriguez, Project Leader and Registered Nurse at Mission Regional Medical Center. Statistics from the CDC indicate that the development of Diabetes Type 2 in young adults is on the rise, and it is also affecting children. "It is important that we teach the benefits of a healthier lifestyle to prevent diabetes, and also how to manage the disease for those that are already diabetic," added Rodriguez.

There will be a special focus on nutrition, with tastings of fruit and vegetable juicing along with other healthy food sampling. Chef Larry Delgado from House. Wine. & Bistro. and Chef Jesse Castellon from the International Culinary Institute will cook and provide healthy recipes for the entire family. Attendees can also shop at the Farmer's Market and see a zumba fitness class in action. Dentists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, pharmacies, clinics, gyms, along with health food stores and restaurants are among the other participating organizations at the event.

People of all ages are invited to this free event presented by The Diabetes Center at Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC). The hospital's laboratory department will perform free HgA1C tests to all that attend. The HgA1c provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past 3 months. It is the primary test used for diabetes management and does not require fasting. Blood pressure checks, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat Percentage tests will also be performed by hospital staff.

To learn more about the "All About Diabetes" Community Health Fair, please call the MRMC Marketing Department at 956-323-1150.